From The Principal
It is hard to believe that it is already Week 7 of term and whilst, due to lockdown, it may feel like longer, the hive of activity of staff collaborating, pivoting to online examinations and continually refining programs has promptly filled the passage of time. Whilst the seemingly inevitable announcement that Remote Learning would continue until the end of this term has been forthcoming, we will shortly be informed of the NSW Government’s planned reintroduction of On-Campus Learning during Term 4. We will continue to keep you informed as soon as we receive updated advice from NSW Health and AISNSW, whilst also recognising the importance of reviewing this and making informed decisions that ensure the wellbeing of our school community and the broader community.
As has been the case throughout, we will always ensure that clear COVID-safe plans are in place when students are on campus and that we collaborate widely to fully explore all options available to the School. We have recently engaged with a company to provide logistical support for the trial of Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) for groups of students and staff and will be providing more information regarding this process. It is envisaged that we will initially utilise RAT for smaller groups of students and staff, with a view to its potential broader application in the future.
All staff have been strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and data on staff vaccination will assist in our planning for the eventual return of On-Campus Learning. With vaccination now also opening up for 16-39-year-olds, we also encourage all eligible students to discuss vaccination with their parents and appointments can be made via this link.
Recently there have been numerous media articles raising concern regarding how much students may be behind in their learning due to ongoing lockdowns in NSW and Victoria. I just wanted to reassure parents and carers that there is a counter view that students will be learning a whole new range of skills, particularly resilience, during this period of Remote Learning. As you know, we are focused on providing the most engaging and rewarding Remote Learning experience possible and will continue to strive for improvement throughout. Through the range of Zoom sessions that I have attended, I have been impressed by the quality and depth of student learning that is occurring and the excellent progress made by students.
Book Week has been an absolute highlight this week and along with a wide range of staff, I enjoyed the opportunity to record a book reading for the Preparatory School students. It was a pleasure to read the messages of thanks, including one recorded to video by Kindergarten student, Betty Campbell, which incorporated her sharing details of a cake she had recently made. I know I couldn’t have recorded a video message in Kindergarten, nor could I bake a cake!
Staff Wellbeing Challenge
Over the past couple of weeks, our Deans of Students Marita Jansons and Katie-Louise Clinton encouraged our staff to take an hour to focus on their own wellbeing. This was highly appreciated by all staff who eagerly embraced the challenge and shared their ways to keep their wellness in check. You can see them in action in their wellness activities in this Staff Wellbeing Challenge Video.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo Caption: Redlands students enjoyed Book Week in some very creative ways.